mac os Buying a mac

[LA_Kings_Fan]

I just don't know why anyone that knows about computers or a gamer would ever want one.

 

Didn't you just answer your own question though yeah for GAMING you'd want not only a Windows IBM clone, but ALSO a DESKTOP.

[NoGooD]

If you buy online I think there is only option for the gloss screen, but in the store I was able to buy my 15" mbp with the matte screen. Works fine in the sun, I do lots of studying at the park

They changed that a while ago, you are now able to select an Antiglare screen as well.

 

I actually have one of the old matte screens as well, and frequently use it outdoors with no problems. I've attempted to use the gloss screen on an old 13" coreduo and couldn't see a damn thing. If there's an anti-glare feature the most def opt for it.

 

 

 

I just don't know why anyone that knows about computers or a gamer would ever want one.

I finally can develop iPhone apps.

Seeing as how iphones just eclipsed %50 market share, why would you not want one if your interested in creating an app. Granted they have their downsides as does windows, but I've been pretty pleased with my laptop since I got it.

[ajnl]

If you want to use it for gaming, you should go with windows 7. There aren't many games for mac computers and the ones that can run on macbook are usually more expansive.

 

For anything besides games, a macbook will work smoother and better. Just go with the macbook Pro. Also, look into refurbished macbook pros. I bought a refurbished one, its 3 years old now and still runs great.

 

Btw, I've dual booted my macbook (its not a pro) with windows visita when I first got it. I also installed, played, and beat Crisis on it, so if you really want to, it is possible to game on it as well.

[Brisk]

Well, you've probably already made a decision, but...

 

If you want to play games hardcore and run everything on the highest settings, build your own PC. However, if that's not your first priority, the MacBook Pros are nice laptops. With what you're looking at doing you'll probably want a 15" MBP, so you get a dedicated GPU (it will make both your gaming and Photoshop experiences much more pleasant).

 

For gaming, don't think you'll be able to game in OS X. Use BootCamp so you can run Windows natively and do your gaming there.

 

I've had two 15" MBP's (one from right after their switch-over to Intel, and one from the summer of last year) and I've loved them both. It should run ET like a charm, at whatever settings you want. It's not going to be able to run any of the newer games, on high, that are using more and more hardware power (e.g. the upcoming BF3 - you could compare the MBP specs to system specs on any games you might be particularly interested in). However, that's more an issue for any laptop, rather than just the Apple ones.

[col_forbin]

A lot of this has been said, but I do this all day (consultant at an Apple Specialist), so I thought I'd help.

 

If you're looking to use photoshop / game on a laptop, you really want the 15" or 17" MacBook Pro. the 13" model uses integrated graphics, while the larger options have that IN ADDITION TO discrete graphics cards, either with 512MB VRAM or 1GB VRAM. They have both, and will switch silently between them as necessary. The 15"/17" also use quad-core i7 processors as opposed to the dual-core i5/i7 you find on the 13". The current machines come with 4gb RAM, upgrade to 8gb. Apple charges $200, I got mine for less than $50 (granted, I get stuff at wholesale cost, but blah blah blah). The upgrade to the Anti-Glare display is $150, but well worth it as it is not only nicer IMO, but a higher resolution (don't know numbers off the top of my head). Anti-Glare is only available on the 15"/17" models.

 

An iMac is also a viable option, and has discrete graphics throughout the line. Quad-core i5's by default, but you can get an i7 for a slight bit more. Ram is 4GB standard, but you can go to 8gb on the 21.5" model and 16gb on the 27" model. No antiglare option, but you probably won't have your desktop outside, and if it really bugs you it is possible to take the glass off (but proceed at your own risk).

 

COD4 is the only game I really play, and it is in the Mac App Store (I got mine for $19.99!). Steam is available for Mac OS now as well. If you have more need for gaming, you can run windows out of the box with Boot Camp, though this forces you to shut down your Mac and boot into Windows. Software exists that allows you to run both OS's side by side (VMWare Fusion and Parallels come to mind), but the caveat is that running two OS's at once is more taxing on the machine than running one. (and if you do this, even if "macs are twice as much!" was accurate, you're now getting two computers in one, so the [wrong debatable] point becomes moot).

 

Hope this helps someone even if not OP. If you have Mac questions, let me know!

[=FlA=Duk]

I actually started gaming on my 13" macbook pro. I could play COD4 Pretty well, but I needed it on lower graphics, and it would heat up VERY fast. You can play smaller games like minecraft, or games like that, but the big games make your macbook very loud. If you were willing to spend the money, I would definitely get the iMac.

[kentikins]

I'm currently running a 2011 macbook pro 15", a early 2010 macbook pro 13" w/ matte screen and a 2012 mac pro 12 core.

I recommend macs as an investment because, however much freedom pc users say they get, so do mac users. I've never had any major problems w/ macs and the problems hat occur are my fault.

The matte screens are good for photographers and graphic designers as they give 100% true colours so very useful indeed.

As I said, they are good investment so get yourself a midrange macbook pro, or try get a mac pro.

I just ordered a mac mini to use on my 42" television.

MAC's FTW